It is for those who need extra help due to a condition that can build up extra costs
Certain people with a health condition or disability may be entitled to up to £27,783 to assist them during their studies. The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is provided by Student Finance to support students who incur additional costs due to a specific condition.
Those eligible for DSA are not required to repay it as it’s given as a direct payment, not a loan. Moreover, the amount is determined based on the level of support needed and is assessed according to individual needs arising from your condition, rather than being based on household income.
At present, undergraduate and postgraduate students in the 2025/26 academic year could receive up to £27,783. This amount may increase in future academic years as the allowance was set at £26,948 for the 2024/25 academic year.
However, only certain people and conditions qualify for DSA, with the allowance only granted after a ‘needs assessment’ – an informal meeting to determine what support you require for your studies.
Eligible conditions for DSA
In order to be eligible for DFSA, you must be an undergraduate or postgraduate student – this includes people studying with Open University or are on a distant learning course. Furthermore, you must be eligible for both a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan from Student Finance England while studying on a course that lasts for at least a year.
You may be considered for DSA if you live in England and have a condition that affects your ability to study, including:
- A long-term health condition – such as HIV, cancer, or chronic heart disease
- A physical disability, especially if you need to use a wheelchair, crutches, or a special keyboard
- A mental health condition like depression or anxiety
- A learning difficulty, such as ADHD or dyslexia
- A sensory disability, such as being deaf
Your course must also be:
- a Certificate of Higher Education
- a postgraduate course
- a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
- Initial Teacher Training
- a first degree, for example BA, BSc or BEd
- a Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- a Foundation Degree
- a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
- a Higher National Diploma (HND)
- a level 4 or 5 course with Higher Technical Qualification approval
How to apply for DSA
When applying for DSA, you’ll need to provide evidence of your eligibility. Depending on your condition, you might need to submit a copy of a report or letter from a doctor or consultant supporting your claim.
You may also need a copy of a ‘diagnostics assessment’ from a psychologist or a suitably qualified specialist teacher. If you need a new diagnostic assessment, you might be able to get additional funds from your university or college to cover the cost.
Alternatively, you might have the option to complete a disability evidence form. Once you’re confident that you have the necessary evidence to back your claim, you can submit it to Student Finance England via your student finance account.
If you’d rather, you can also send it by email to [email protected] or by post to Student Finance England, PO Box 210, Darlington, DL1 9HJ.
Full details on DSA can be found on GOV.UK here.
